Apparatus for mounting a ceiling air terminal

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for mounting a ceiling air terminal in an installation having a false ceiling suspended beneath the actual ceiling of a space having conditioned air from the terminal supplied thereinto. A plurality of elongated threaded rods are employed to suspend components of the false ceiling. A first member is secured onto one of the elongated rods. A second member, similar to the first member, is secured onto a second of the elongated rods, the first and second rods being axially aligned and spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the axial length of the ceiling terminal. Suitable means are secured in engaging relationship to each of the first and second members and are readily disengageable therefrom. Each of the securing means includes at least one portion for engaging said ceiling air terminal to support the terminal at either end from said elongated rod.

United States Patent [1 Herb [4 1 Feb. 4, 1975 i 1 APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING A CEILING AIR TERMINAL [75] Inventor: Carl C. Herb, Camillus, NY.

[73] Assignee: Carrier Corporation, Syracuse, N.Y.

[22] Filed: Feb. 26, 1973 [2]] App]. No.1 336,106

[52] [1.8. Cl. 248/327, 52/39 [51] Int. Cl. E04g 17/18 [58] Field of Search 248/58, 59, Ni, 300, 317,

Primary Examiner-William H. Schultz Attorney, Agent, or Firm-J. Raymond Curtin; Barry E. Duetsch [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for mounting a ceiling air terminal in an insrallation having a false ceiling suspended beneath the actual ceiling of a space having conditioned air from the terminal supplied thereinto. A plurality of elongated threaded rods are employed to suspend components of the false ceiling. A first member is secured onto one of the elongated rods. A second member, similar to the first member, is secured onto a second of the elongated rods, the first and second rods being axially aligned and spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the axial length of the ceiling terminal. Suitable means are secured in engaging relationship to each of the first and second members and are readily disengageable therefrom. Each of the securing means includes at least one portion for engaging said ceiling air terminal to support the terminal at either end from said elongated rod.

3 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEDFEB 41915 3.863.879

SHEET 10F 3 FIG.|

APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING A CEILING AIR TERMINAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to apparatus adaptable for mounting a ceiling air terminal in an installation utilizing a false ceiling suitably suspended from the actual ceiling of the space being served by the terminal.

The utilization of air conditioning systems employing ceiling terminals to provide conditioned air from a central source to a plurality of areas in an enclosure, such as offices in office buildings, has become quite extensive. Generally, such areas have what is known as false" ceilings. False ceilings may comprise a plurality of tiles which are suitably suspended below the actual ceiling of the area being served by the terminals. The tiles are provided to improve the aesthetic appearance of the space, and in addition, may improve the acoustical characteristics of the space. The ceiling terminals and other components of the air conditioning system are generally installed in the space. so the lower surfaces thereof are substantially flush with the lower surface of the false ceiling. Thus, it is apparent that such terminals must also be suspended in some manner from the actual ceiling of the space.

In many installations, the false ceilings are suspended from the actual ceiling by inverted T-frame members. However, not all such suspended ceilings are supported in the foregoing manner. Some such false ceilings employ a plurality of elongated threaded rods having suitable support pieces connected thereto. The components of the suspended ceiling are suitably connected to the support pieces.

In order to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the installation, it is necessary for the ceiling air terminals to be suitably suspended from such elongated rods. In addition, such ceiling terminals should be suspended in a manner so they may be easily disengaged if repair or maintenance are required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the invention to suitably mount an air conditioning terminal in a suspended ceiling installation having elongated rods employed for supporting components of the suspended ceiling.

It is a further object of the invention to suitably support the ceiling terminals in a suspended ceiling installation, yet provide means for quickly disengaging the unit from the suspension for easy repair and/or maintenance.

These and other objects of the present invention are obtained by providing a first member which is suitably secured onto one of the elongated rods employed to support components of the false ceiling. A second member is suitably secured onto a second of the elongated rods; the first and second rods are axially aligned and spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the axial length of the ceiling terminal. First and second means are secured in engaging relationship respectively to each of the first and second members and are readily disengageable therefrom. Each of said first and second means include at least one portion for engaging the ceiling air terminal to support the terminal at either end from each of the elongated rods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I of the drawings is a schematic view, partially in section, of an air conditioning system including a ceiling air terminal mounted in a suspended ceiling installation employing the apparatus ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one end of a ceiling air terminal including the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an orthographic front view of a detail of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is an orthographic top view of thejdetail illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating two units axially connected by apparatus of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an air conditioning terminal supported at either end by the apparatus of the instant invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof, there is illustrated an air conditioning system including a ceiling air terminal of the type to which the present invention relates. In referring to the drawings, like numerals shall refer to like parts.

The air conditioning system includes a central air conditioning system apparatus comprising a filter 5, pre-cooling coil 7, spray means 9, cooling coil 11, heating coil 13, and a fan 15, for heating, cooling, dehumidifying, humidifying, and filtering the air as desired to provide treated air for passage to the area being served by a terminal. Supply air duct 17, is illustrative of the plurality of ducts provided to supply treated air to the ceiling air terminals throughout a building.

A ceiling terminal of a type which may be readily mounted in an installation having a false ceiling suspended below and spaced from the actual ceiling may include a primary chamber 19, lined with a sound absorbing material 21, such as a glass fiber blanket. The primary chamber is ordinarily open at both ends for connecting a series of terminals end to end to provide a complete air discharge system. Suitable end pieces, not shown, are utilized to cap end terminals in the series. An air supply distribution plate 23, having a plurality of collared openings 25, therein is provided to evenly distribute supply air from primary chamber 19, into distribution chamber 27, which is defined by the top and side walls of distribution plate 23.

The bottom of distribution chamber 27, includes aligned cutoff plates 29. The plates cooperate with selectively inflatable bladders 31, and 33, to form a damper. Bladders 31 and 33, when fully inflated, typically form a pear-shaped configuration. Bladders 31, and 33, are adhesively mounted on a central partition assembly comprised of opposed, generally convex plates 35, and a diffuser triangle 37. The plates have a V-shaped recess therein so that the bladders are completely recessed within the plates when they are deflated. This provides a large area between the active walls 34, of the bladders and the cutoff plates for maximyrm air flow therebetween. Further, the recessed bladas; provides a smooth surface along the plate 35. to minimize air tubulence. Walls 34, of the bladders normally concave. Therefore, when the bladders are fully deflated, the active walls of the bladders are out of the air stream to minimize the possibility of bladder flutter. By recessing the bladders within plate 35, and providing the bladders with concave wall 34, the distance between the cutoff plates and wall 34, of the bladders is increased. This provides a greater opening between a bladder and the cutoff plate when the bladder is fully deflated for maximum air flow therebetween. Further, a large movement of wall 34, from a concave to a convex position may be obtained without stretching the bladder material.

The damper mechanism is disposed a substantial distance upstream from the discharge openings in the terminal to provide sufficient space therebetween to absorb any noise generated by the damper mechanism. For maximum sound absorption, downwardly extending walls 39, which form air passages in conjunction with plates 35, are lined with a sound absorbing material such as glass fiber blankets 45. Outlet members 41 having outwardly flared lower portions 43, thereon are affixed, as by welding, to the walls 39. In the embodiment illustrated, outwardly flared lower portions 43, define a portion of the false ceiling.

The convex plates prevent direct, straight-line passage of sound energy waves from the damper into the area being treated. Sound waves generated at the damper strike the sound absorbing blankets 45, where they are absorbed, to prevent passage of noise from the terminal. The lower portion of the passageway formed between the plate 35, and the wall 39 has a constantly increasing cross-sectional area in the direction of air flow, which also aids in the dissipation of sound energy.

As noted hereinbefore, ceiling air terminals of the type hereinabove described are generally disposed above a false ceiling of the area or space being conditioned. The false ceiling is typically suspended from the actual ceiling of the space. The false ceiling generally comprises acoustical tiles or other similar devices which, are not only provided for functional purposes, but which are also provided to improve the aesthetic appearance of the area.

There are many manufacturers of false ceiling components. Many of such ceilings use inverted T-frame members to support the components of the false ceiling. Other false ceilings employ elongated threaded rods in lieu of the inverted T-frame members. The rods are suitably connected to the actual ceiling of the space.

The elongated threaded rods have support members connected thereto for supporting the tiles or other components of the false ceiling. In order to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the space, it is thus desirable to support ceiling air terminals, provided in installations of the type heretofore described, from the elongated rods.

Referring particularly to FIG. 2 of the drawings, there is illustrated a perspective view of an end of a ceiling air terminal, supported thereat by an elongated rod of the false ceiling installation.

A first member 50, preferably having a threaded bore 51, as shown in FIG, 4, is affixed onto an elongated rod 52, at one end of a terminal. Although not shown, a 60 As is more clearly shown in FIG. 3, member 50, has an annular groove 53, extending around the entire outer circumference thereof. Groove 53, is provided for a reason to be more fully explained hereinafter.

A preferred embodiment of the mounting arrangement in accordance with my invention, further includes a second member 54. Preferably, second member 54 includes a U-shaped portion 55, having a substantially planar top wall 56, disposed between downwardly extending sidewalls 57 and 58. Planar top wall 56, has a slot 59, formed therein. Slot 59, is suitably dimensioned so it may be held in engaging relationship within groove 53, of member 50. Thus member 54, is slideably supported within the groove.

Member 54, further includes arms 60, and 61, which extend axially from downwardly extending sides 57, and 58. Arms 60, and 61, are designed to fit into the end of the ceiling air terminal, as shown in H0. 2. If desired, member 54 may further include arms 62, and 64, which extend axially in the opposite direction from arms 60, and 6l. The utilization of the second set of arms will enable a single mounting device to be employed to support the ends of two terminals connected in series. Utilization of member 54 supports the ends of two serially connected terminals as illustrated in FIG. 5.

Members and 54, are provided on the elongated rod at either end of the terminal. By providing the aforedescribed members, a terminal may be readily supported on the elongated rod, and in addition, due to the particular sliding fit between members 50, and 55, the terminal may be readily disengaged from the ceiling installation when maintenance or other repair are required.

The present invention provides a novel apparatus for readily supporting and mounting the ceiling air terminal in a suspended ceiling installation having elongated rods provided as the main support members.

While I have described and illustrated a preferred embodiment of my invention, my invention should not be limited thereto, but may be otherwise embodied within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

l. Apparatus for mounting a plurality of serially connected ceiling air terminals in an installation having a false ceiling, a? plurality of elongated rods being employfisto suspend components of said false ceiling beneath the actual ceiling of a space having conditioned air from said terminal supplied thereinto, said apparatus comprising:

a firstmember suitably secured onto one of said elongated rods;

a second member suitably secured onto a second of said elongated rods, said first and second rods being axially aligned and spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the axial length of one of said ceiling terminals; and

first and second mounting means secured in engaging relationship respectively to each of said first and second members and being readily disengageable therefrom each of said mounting means including at least a first portion for engaging one of said ceiling air terminals, and a second portion for engaging a second of said ceiling air terminals, each consecutive pair of mounting means thereby supporting a first end of one ceiling air terminal, each end of a second terminal. and a first end of a third air terminal. 2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first and second members have an annular groove.

3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein said first and second securing means each comprise a U- shaped member having first and second downwardly 

1. Apparatus for mounting a plurality of serially connected ceiling air terminals in an installation having a false ceiling, a plurality of elongated rods being employed to suspend components of said false ceiling beneath the actual ceiling of a space having conditioned air from said terminal supplied thereinto, said apparatus comprising: a first member suitably secured onto one of said elongated rods; a second member suitably secured onto a second of said elongated rods, said first and second rods being axially aligned and spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the axial length of one of said ceiling terminals; and first and second mounting means secured in engaging relationship respectively to each of said first and second members and being readily disengageable therefrom each of said mounting means including at least a first portion for engaging one of said ceiling air terminals, and a second portion for engaging a second of said ceiling air terminals, each consecutive pair of mounting means thereby supporting a first end of one ceiling air terminal, each end of a second terminal, and a first end of a third air terminal.
 2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first and second members have an annular groove.
 3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein said first and second securing means each comprise a U-shaped member having first and second downwardly extending walls, and a planar top wall connecting said downwardly extending walls and having an elongated slot formed therein, said annular groove receiving said slot in mating relationship, said U-shaped member being slidingly supported in said annular groove. 